Court Orders Abusive Husband To Compensate Wife

A man who beat and wounded his wife will pay K2,000 in compensation to the victim.  This is the latest verdict handed down by the Boroko District Court recently.

On October 31, 2020, the accused Joe Kotro, a computer technician from Jiwaka province beat his wife Hellen and fractured one of her fingers. 

He was arrested by police and appeared in court.

Joe and Hellen have been married for 13 years and they have six children.

The court took into consideration that bride price, which is a customary obligation was not paid and furthermore, the victim was a university graduate and she was employed by Melanesian Trustee Services Limited as Taxation Manager. 

The defendant initially entered a not-guilty plea, arguing  on the basis of provocation and self defence.

Police Prosecutor Senior Constable Mol Siboa however made submissions alluding the court's attention to the Family Protection Act of 2003, which was enacted to stop all forms of violence in the family, regardless of the circumstances. 

Senior Constable Mol further argued, that even if there was evidence of self defence, the injury itself (fractured finger) was not proportionate enough to present any threat of violence. 

S/C Mol said the assault was unlawful and therefore, the defendant was guilty. 

He stressed that under section 21 of the family Protection Act, the court has the authority to award compensation in accordance with customary obligations.

In his submission the police prosecutor said the couple came from two neighboring tribes, and therefore a sum of K3,000.00 should be paid by the accused, to appease the peace and understanding within the communities. 

District Court magistrate, Mathew Maitang found Kotro guilty and initially convicted him to 8 months in prison but suspended the sentence and placed him on a Good- Behavior -Bond for the same period, but with specific conditions.

The defendant is restrained from subjecting his wife to any form of violence, and he will not consume alcohol within the 8 month period. 

The Defebdant will also keep the peace at all times and not re-offend.

Kotro was ordered to pay the K2000 compensation by January 25 and his cash bail was also refunded.

 If Kotro breaks any of the laws set out by the court, he will be re-arrested and sent to jail.

Police Media

Pictures: 

Detective Senior Sergeant Rachael Pinda who recently succeeded in the arrest and conviction of a serial child sex offender, who is now serving 15 years in jail, and members of Hohola Police Station busy at work.

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